Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods for reducing or eliminating latent herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) from an HSV-2-infected cell, or for reducing or eliminating latent HSV-2 reactivation in an HSV-2-infected cell, leading to a viable curative approach for latent HSV-2 infection. The composition comprises a plurality of viral vectors, wherein the viral vectors comprise a sequence encoding an HSV-2-specific meganuclease. The method comprises delivering to an HSV-2-infected cell a plurality of one or more viral vectors, wherein each of the one or more viral vectors includes a sequence encoding an HSV-2-specific meganuclease.

Abstract: Devices and methods for bio-specimen refrigeration are provided. In an embodiment, the bio-specimen refrigeration devices of the present disclosure include a housing having a lid and a base portion, wherein the lid is selectively moveable between an open position and a closed position; a coolant cartridge chamber disposed in the housing and configured to fluidically couple with a coolant cartridge disposed in the coolant cartridge chamber; and a cooling chamber disposed in the housing and configured to receive a fluid coolant from the coolant cartridge, wherein in the closed position, the lid seals the cooling chamber.

Abstract: Systems and methods to modulate the function of mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells in the absence of a T cell receptor (TCR) signal are described. The systems and methods can be used to elucidate the function of MAIT cells to assess potential therapeutic strategies for conditions associated with inflammation.

Abstract: Provided herein are biomarkers, methods of diagnosing, methods of treatment, methods of monitoring treatment, and methods of selecting treatment in a subject suspected of, or suffering from, Pancreatic cancer. In some embodiments, the methods disclosed herein comprise determining expression levels of at least one biomarker in one or more biological sample obtained from the subject, and comparing the expression levels of the at least one biomarker in the one or more biological sample obtained from the subject with an expression level of the at least one biomarker in a reference/control sample. In some embodiments, the at least one biomarker comprises High mobility Group A2 (HMGA2). In some embodiments, the pancreatic cancer is Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDA). Also provided herein are reagents, compositions, and kits for the detection, diagnosis, and prognosis of pancreatic cancer.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to relates to systems and methods for evaluating tissue using high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) energy. In one embodiment, for example, a system for treating a patient comprises an ultrasound source configured to deliver HIFU energy to a target tissue mass of the patient and a function generator operably coupled to the ultrasound source for initiating a pulsing protocol for delivering the HIFU energy. The system further comprises a controller configured to perform operations comprising applying HIFU energy to induce cavitation in the target tissue mass and cause a biomarker to be released, comparing a baseline concentration of the biomarker from a first fluid sample to a concentration of the biomarker in a second fluid sample within 2 hours after applying HIFU, and repeating the applying and comparing until the concentration of the biomarker in the fluid sample falls below a threshold value.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods comprising mutated coronavirus “S” spike proteins or receptor binding domains thereof that have an increased expression level, yield and stability compared to its corresponding native or wild-type coronavirus spike protein under the same expression, culture or storage conditions. These mutated spike proteins can be used for generating a protein-based vaccine against one or more coronaviruses.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides therapeutic treatments for a disease such as a cancer or a tumor, including methods for treating SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex mutant tumors or cancers in a subject in need thereof. In an embodiment, the method comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of at least one agent effective in suppressing or inhibiting mRNA translation. In an embodiment, the cancer or tumor is an ARID1A mutant and/or an ARID1A-deficient cancer or tumor. In some embodiments, the therapeutic treatments disclosed include methods of treating ARID1A mutant and/or ARID1A-deficient cancer in a subject comprising the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of an agent effective in inhibiting mRNA translation elongation. In some embodiments, the agent effective in inhibiting mRNA translation elongation is an agent effective in suppressing or inhibiting eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2).

Abstract: Anti-CD33 antibodies are described. The anti-CD33 antibodies can bind within the V-set Ig-like domain or the C2-set Ig-like domain of CD33. Epitopes FIG. 1A on the C2-set Ig-like domain can provide a “pan-binding” site, to which the cognate antibody will bind regardless of whether the CD33 molecule also contains the V-set domain (as in, for example, CD33FL) or not (as in, for example, CD33?E2). Alternative epitopes on the C2-set Ig-like domain are accessible for binding if the V-set domain is absent (e.g., as in CD33?E2). Antibodies that bind an epitope on the C2-set Ig-like domain (whether they exhibit pan or V-set absent binding) are directed at novel therapeutic targets can increase therapeutic efficacy against CD-33-related disorders. Also described are molecules comprising a binding-competent domain from at least one described anti-CD33 antibody, including scFvs, bi-specific antibody molecules, chimeric antigen receptors, and immunoconjugates. Methods of use are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to methods and compositions for reducing or eliminating latent HSV-1 reactivation in a cell. In some embodiments, the method comprises delivering to an HSV-1-infected cell one or more self-complementary adeno-associated viruses (scAAV) comprising one or more sequences encoding one or more HSV-1-specific meganucleases. In some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more self-complementary adeno-associated viruses (scAAV) comprising one or more sequences encoding one or more HSV-1-specific meganucleases.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides, inter alia, meiotic drive genes derived from chromosome 3 of the fission yeasts Schizosaccharomyces kambucha and S. pombe and orthologs thereof. In certain embodiments, compositions, methods, and kits are provided for biasing organisms to express such genes and, optionally, to co-express one or more genes of interest in such organisms.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions, kits, and methods to protect organs by inducing acquired cytoresistance without causing injury to the organ. The compositions, kits, and methods utilize heme proteins, iron and/or vitamin B12 and, optionally, agents that impact heme protein metabolism.

Abstract: Compositions and methods that rapidly and selectively modify hematopoietic stem cells (or cells derived therefrom) to achieve therapeutic objectives by providing for transient expression of nucleic acids are described. The transient expression leads to permanent therapeutic changes in the modified cells, referred to herein as “hit and run” effects.

Abstract: Sequential immunization strategies to guide the maturation of antibodies against the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are described. The sequential immunization strategies utilize an HIV envelope protein (Env) that binds germline (gl) B cells as a first (prime) immunization and an Env with a functional glycosylated N276 as a second (boost) immunization. The sequential immunization strategies successfully elicit neutralizing antibodies against HIV.

Abstract: Antibodies that bind the tumor (T) antigen of the Merkel cell polyomavirus are disclosed. The antibodies can be use used in cell-based immunotherapies, antibody-based therapies, diagnostics, and detection assays, among other uses.

Abstract: In various embodiments, provided are immune response signatures that can be used for the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of long-term diseases and inflammatory disorders caused by viral infections. In some embodiments, the viral infection is SARS-CoV-2 infection. In some embodiments, the long-term disease is post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of halogen compounds, including iodide, and chalcogenide compounds, including iodide, sulfide and selenide, to treat and prevent diseases and injuries. The present invention further relates to compositions comprising a halogen compound and/or a chalcogenide compound, including pharmaceutical compositions, as well as methods of manufacturing such compounds and administering such compositions to subjects in need thereof.

Abstract: The present invention features modified polynucleotide sequences that mimic host cell DNA and methods of using such sequences for the genetic engineering of bacteria that are otherwise genetically intractable.

Abstract: Described herein are immunomodulatory fusion proteins containing an extracellular binding domain and an intracellular signaling domain, wherein binding of a target can generate a modulatory signal in a host cell, such as a T cell. Some immunomodulatory fusion proteins as described comprise a SIRP? extracellular component and hydrophobic and intracellular components comprising transmembrane and/or signaling domains of a CD28, respectively. Such fusion proteins are capable of delivering a positive or costimulatory signal in response to a binding event that in a natural setting would result in an inhibitory signal. Uses of immune cells expressing such immunomodulatory fusion proteins to treat certain diseases, such as cancer or infectious disease, are also described.